University of Kentucky Professor and Former Student Develop New Mosquito Control Method

Right here in Louisville’s own backyard, research funded by a grant from the National Institutes of Health has led to a breakthrough mosquito control method. Stephen Dobson, professor of medical and veterinary entomology in the Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, and his former graduate student, Jimmy Mains developed a method of sterilizing male mosquitoes with a naturally occurring bacteria called Wolbachia. 

300 Mosquito Eggs that Won’t Hatch

The two established a company called MosquitoMate to get their product to market. The way it works is the Wolbachia bacteria results in eggs that will not hatch. Since mosquitoes are monogamous, the reduction in the next generation of mosquitoes is significant with every male released. (Female mosquitoes can produce three batches of about 300 eggs during their life.)

The company is awaiting EPA approval. Once it is approved, they will be able to sell the sterile male mosquitoes as a mosquito control method. Recently opening a second MosquitoMate facility in Lexington, when running at capacity they will be able to produce 50 million eggs and 3 million sterile males per week.

Until this fantastic new mosquito control method becomes widely available, stick with Mosquito Squad of Louisville for all of your commercial and residential mosquito control needs. Our mosquito barrier treatment eliminates 85-90% of mosquitoes on your property and we offer alternative methods such as mosquito misting systems and natural barrier treatments. Call today!

Source: University of Kentucky News